COVID-19 Protocols and Guidelines Resource Centre

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Tourism & Hospitality Emergency Response (THER) is a new recovery plan for workers and workplaces to assist people who have lost their jobs or are working fewer hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to hear directly from workers like you, so we can understand what supports or training you need to get back to work.

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#SAFETRAVELS STAMP

The WTTC in cooperation with the provincial government has created a self-certified Safe Travel Stamp based on worldwide industry protocols the WTTC has put together for every aspect of the hospitality and tourism sector.  

The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short term rentals, car rentals, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented. 

TIAO asks that destinations that would like to apply for the Safe Travels Stamp to please use the POST Promise. TIAO would appreciate your commitment to encourage businesses  within their destination to also apply for the stamp as well.

 

 

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WTTC Protocols

As Ontario slowly looks to reopen it's economy there are a growing number of guidelines and protocol documents emerging on how to do so safely and adhering to physical distancing and health protocols. TIAO is collecting documents issued by other provincial governments, the federal government, international tourism agencies associations and others below to give you an insight on how to safely open and operate your businesses. Please note you will need to turn your pop-up blocker off to download PDF and word documents that these links link to.

RV, rafting and Camping

• Camper Code of Conduct 2020 

• Contractor Code of Conduct by Highland RV Resort

• Meeting Guest Needs During and After a Pandemic by the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds

• Overall Guidance for Campgrounds by Camping in Ontario

• Re-Opening RV Parks and Campgrounds by the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds

• Sample Cancellation/Refund Policy for RV Parks and Campgrounds

• Suggested Phased Re-Opening of RV Parks and Campgrounds

• BC RIVERS OUTFITTERS ASSOCIATION -COVID-19 BEST PRACTICES FOR COMMERCIAL RIVER RAFTING OPERATIONS

 

Golfing 

• Playing Safe Golf by Golf in Ontario 

 

Events and Attractions

• The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide for event professionals during COVID-19

• The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide for event professionals during COVID-19 (FRENCH VERSION)

• The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide for event professionals during COVID-19 (CHINESE VERSION)

• COVID-19 Considerations for the Global Attractions Industry by IAAPA Global Association for the Attractions Industry

 

Workplaces, Resorts, Restaurants, Hotels and Motels.

• Guidelines For New Brunswick Workplaces Re-opening In A Covid-19 Environment As We Safely Return To Work Embracing The New Normal

• Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association Dine Safe Protocols

• Hotel Association of Canada - Enhanced industry-wide hotel cleaning standards in response to COVID-19

• Resorts of Ontario - BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN 2020- Procedures on Safety and Prevention (Covid-19 pandemic threat)

• COVID-19 Best Practices For the Safe Operation of Resource-Based Tourism Businesses in Northern Ontario

• Ontario Government COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan

• COVID-19: Reopening Guidelines for Businesses & Organizations City of Toronto

 

Boating

• COVID- 19 Best Practices For Commercial River Rafting Operations By BC Rivers Outfitters Association

• Boating Ontario - Introduction to guidelines

• Social Distancing Best Practices Marine Personnel by Boating Ontario

 

Aircraft

• Physical Distancing on Aircraft

 

Manufacturing

• Ontario Releases Safety Guidelines for Reopening to Protect Public from COVID-19

 

Waterparks

• World Waterpark Association Aquatic Facility And Waterpark Reopening Considerations

 

Global Protocols ​​

• Global Protocols for the New Normal Attractions

• Global Protocols for the New Normal Car Rental 

• Global Protocols for the New Normal Short Term Rental

• Global Protocols for the New Normal for Hospitality

• Global Protocols for the New Normal for Outdoor Shopping Destinations and Establishments

• Global Protocols for the New Normal for Aviation

• Global Protocols For The New Normal Convention Centres, Meetings
  & Events

• Global Protocols for the New Normal Airports

• Global Protocols for the New Normal Tour Operators

• Resonance COVID-19 Destination Management Marketing Toolkit

• World Tourism Organization COVID-19 Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package

• US Travel Industry Guidance

 

Government Resources

Ensure your business is prepared to access available government resources to mitigate potential financial impacts to your employees and your business.

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Employment and Social Development Canada

• Innovation Canada business resource matching page

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Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

CEBA provides much needed credit for small businesses to pay for immediate operating costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax, or debt service.  It is 100 per cent funded by the Government of Canada.

• It is available to Canadian employers with $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019, and operating as of March 1, 2020. This includes smaller (i.e., micro) businesses and other eligible employers such as not-for-profits.

• Under CEBA, financial institutions will be able to provide interest-free credit facilities of up to $40,000 to eligible businesses.

• If the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, 25 per cent (up to $10,000) will be forgiven.

• If the loan is not repaid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a three-year term loan at 5 per cent interest.

This program is now available at various financial institutions and credit unions.

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EDC Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

This program provides credit and cash flow term loans to small and medium-sized enterprises. Canadian businesses in all sectors that were otherwise financially viable and revenue generating prior to the COVID-19 outbreak are eligible to apply.

It allows financial institutions to issue operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to existing clients, with 80 per cent guaranteed by EDC.

This money is to be used for operational expenses, not for dividend payouts, shareholder loans, bonuses, stock buyback, option issuance, increases to executive compensation or repayment/refinancing of other debt.

This program is now available at various financial institutions and credit unions.

 

BDC Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium Enterprises

This program provides term loans for operational and liquidity needs of businesses, which could include interest payments on existing debt. Similar to the EDC program, this program is available to businesses that were financially viable and revenue-generating prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The program is designed in three segments to target support to different business sizes.

• Loans of up to $312,500 to businesses with revenues of less than $1 million.

• Up to $3.125 million for businesses with revenues between $1 million and $50 million.

• Up to $6.25 million for businesses with revenues in excess of $50 million.

Loans would be interest-only for the first 12 months, with a 10-year repayment period.

 

Work Sharing Program Extension
The Federal Government  announced  the Work-Sharing program is implementing temporary special measures to support employers and employees affected by the downturn in business caused by COVID-19. The new temporary special measures are available to employers impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19. The measures allows for eligible employers to retain skilled employees and workers to remain employed during the temporary downturn in business due to COVID-19. The temporary special measures will:

• extend the Work-Sharing agreements by an additional 38 weeks, for a total of 76 weeks

  • wave the mandatory waiting period between agreements

  • ease the recovery plan requirements

• Access the Work-Sharing page to learn more about the program and its requirements.

• Access the Work-Sharing temporary special measures page to find out if you are eligible for temporary special measures.

• For more information on the Work-Sharing Program, call the toll-free number: 1-800-367-5693

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Deferred Tax Filing Deadlines

• The Canada Revenue Agency will allow all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.

• The Canada Revenue Agency will not contact any small or medium (SME) businesses to initiate any post assessment GST/HST or Income Tax audits for the next four weeks. For the vast majority of businesses, the Canada Revenue Agency will temporarily suspend audit interaction with taxpayers and representatives.

• The Liaison Officer  service offers help to owners of small businesses to understand their tax obligations. Traditionally available in-person, this service is now available over the phone and will be customizing information during these challenging times by ensuring small businesses are aware of any changes such as filing and payment deadlines, proactive relief measures, etc.

• The Government of Ontario will allow interest and payment relief until August 31st for businesses on the majority of provincially-administered taxes, including the Tobacco Tax; Fuel Tax; Gas Tax; Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tax; Mining Tax; Insurance Premium Tax; International Fuel Tax Agreement; and Race Tracks Tax. 

 

WSIB Premium and Reporting Deferrals

• The Government of Ontario is allowing a six-month deferral on all WSIB premium payments and reporting.

• All employers covered by the WSIB’s workplace insurance are automatically eligible for the provisions of the relief package and can defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. They will not be required to opt in to receive this benefit.

• Additionally, the WSIB will cease interest accrual on all outstanding premium payments. They will not charge penalties during this six-month deferral period. There will be no negative consequences for businesses who defer premium reporting and payments. The WSIB will continue to fully cover workers at eligible workplaces.

 

Canada Post

• Businesses that would like Canada Post to hold their mail can apply here,

• Businesses that would like Canada Post to forward their mail to another address here.

• Fees will be refunded, along with any mail holding and forwarding fees charged since March 1st.

 

COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund (CRRF)

• The CRRF is available for residential service providers to manage the health and safety of children, youth and adults supported in residential settings, as well as the staff who support them.

• The following would be eligible for CRRF:

  • Children’s residential services, including residential programs for Complex Special Needs, Child Welfare, Youth Justice, out-of-home respite for children with physical and/or developmental disabilities, and children’s developmental services

  • Gender-based violence residential programming, including Anti-Human Trafficking and Violence Against Women

  • Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy residential programming

  • Intervenor services

  • Adult Developmental Services residential supports.

• Funding should be requested through a Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services regional or corporate office.

Calling all suppliers – Help Canada combat COVID-19
Are you a business that can supply products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19? Canada wants to hear from you. Find out more here.​

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Exporting and Trade Resources

In an interconnected global economy, the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting Canadian businesses and their operations. It has resulted in restrictions on travel and public gatherings, as well as supply chain disruptions and market uncertainty.

The Trade Commissioner Service has an unmatched network of over 1,000 business-savvy experts in 160 cities worldwide who help Canadian businesses trade, grow, and succeed. Trade commissioners can provide you with market-specific insights and guidance to help you mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

• COVID-19 frequently asked questions for Canadian exporters (Export Development Canada)

• COVID-19: Managing the impact on global supply chains (Export Development Canada webinar)

• Contact a trade commissioner abroad

 

Limited Foreign Entry

• Canada is  barring entry  to all travellers who are not Canadian citizens, permanent residents, a measure being introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19.

• There will be exceptions for air crew, diplomats, immediate family members of citizens, and cargo workers.

• No one who is displaying symptoms will be permitted to board a flight to Canada, and that air operators will be required to complete a basic health assessment of every passenger based on guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Note for businesses: The new border controls  will not  apply to trade and commerce in order to keep Canada’s supply chains open.

 

Resource: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
CME is in contact with federal officials who are overseeing the response to the coronavirus. They will share additional available information and welcome your concerns and input. Website: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Help Canadian Manufacturers Meet Critical Shortages in the Fight Against COVID-19
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada is amassing manufacturing capacity across the country to help the fight against COVID-19. Click here for more information.

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Employment/Legal Resources

COVID-19 and Ontario’s Human Rights Code – Questions and Answers
The OHRC has developed a series of questions and answers for understanding your human rights and obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These questions and answers cover the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, tenants and landlords, as well as residential institutions.

Disclaimer: The answers to the questions posed do not constitute legal advice. The OHRC continues to monitor the evolving situation and will update or add to these questions and answers on an ongoing basis as needed.

 

Changes to Job-Protected Leave
On March 16th, the Province of Ontario  announced  legislation which, if passed, would immediately provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or daycare closures. The legislation would ensure that an employee  will not be required to provide a medical note  if they take the leave. The measures would be retroactive to January 25, 2020, the date that the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario.

What this means for businesses:

• Employees will have the right to job-protected leave for COVID-19 quarantine or isolation purposes, or to care for children.

• Employees will not have to provide a medical note for COVID-19 leave.

• Job protection for COVID-19 leave will be in effect from January 25th, 2020 onwards.

 

Changes to Employment Insurance
The Federal government announced changes to Employment Insurance, in light of recent events. Service Canada will support Canadians affected by COVID-19 and placed in quarantine, with the following support actions:

• The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim.

• Establishing a new dedicated toll-free phone number to support inquiries related to waiving the  EI sickness benefits  waiting period.

• Priority EI application processing for EI sickness claims for clients under quarantine.

• Contact the new dedicated toll-free phone number if you are in quarantine and seeking to waive the one-week  EI sickness benefits  waiting period so you can be paid for the first week of your claim:

  • Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)

  • Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742

 

Emergency Care Benefit
The Federal government is also introducing the Emergency Care Benefit providing up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks. This flat-payment Benefit would be administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provide income support to:

• Workers, including the self-employed, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits.

• Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19, such as an elderly parent, but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits.

• Parents with children who require care or supervision due to school or daycare closures, and are unable to earn employment income, irrespective of whether they qualify for EI or not.

Applications for the Benefit will be available in April 2020, and require Canadians to attest that they meet the eligibility requirements. They will need to re-attest every two weeks to reconfirm their eligibility. Canadians will select one of three channels to apply for the Benefit:

• by accessing it on their CRA MyAccount secure portal;

• by accessing it from their secure My Service Canada Account; or

• by calling a toll free number equipped with an automated application process.

 

Small Business Support Resources

Ensure your business is prepared to handle a potential case of business disruption to mitigate potential financial impacts to your employees and your business.

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses

• Business Continuity Checklist: Maintaining business during an infectious disease outbreak. Click here to download.

• Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness for Business

• Ontario Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Portal

• CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employees

• Restaurants Canada Best Practice Guide for Food Service

 

Workplace Health and Safety / Federal Labour Standards:

• Workplace health and safety

• Federal labour standards

 

Digital Tools to Keep Business Communications Open

• Google Hangouts

• Zoom Meeting

• Webex

• Skype

• Facetime (Apple iOS)

• Slack

• Email

• Phone Calls & Conference Calls

 

Mental Health Resources

For many, the pressure and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a serious toll. Please see the materials below that will help business, employers, and employees manage their anxiety during this time:

Canadian Mental Health

6 tips to respond to employee anxiety about COVID-19

Mental health tips during COVID-19

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Toolkits

Ontario Chamber of Commerce – Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit

Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Pandemic Preparedness for Business

Business Support: Government of Canada
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian Businesses

Business Development Bank of Canada
Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by Coronavirus

Business Development Bank of Canada
Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs

Business Development Bank of Canada (Export Development Canada)
Managing the impact on global supply chains

Employment Insurance and Labour and Occupational Health and Safety
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada

Ontario Ministry of Health
Stats and Self Assessment Tool

TIAC

Impact on Tourism

TIAO

Protocols and guidelines resource centre

World Health Organization
COVID-19 Information for Business and Employees

Niagara Construction Association
COVID-19 Information for the Construction Industry